Threat Assessment: A deep dive into the Mountaineers before week 4

Get to know the strength, weakness, and threat level of West Virginia before they roll into town to play the Sooners in week 4

Sep 18, 2021; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver Sam James (13) celebrates a first down during the second quarter against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports

Sam James & Sean Ryan, WRs

Sam James leads the team — and the Big 12 — with three touchdown receptions. In week two, James took two of his three catches to the house against Long Island University and shrugged off a Hokie defender for a third touchdown on Saturday.

Although the season is still young, the redshirt junior is halfway to a breakout season. James tallied 31 receptions for 300 yards and two touchdowns in 2020. Now, as the leading man, the 5’11 wideout looks poised to make noise in the Big 12.

Sean Ryan enters the weekend, averaging an absurd 18.5 yards per catch. After starting six games in 2020, Ryan continues to emerge as a big-play pass catcher for the Mountaineers. His presence alongside James and slot receiver Bryce Ford-Wheaton could prove formidable in 2021.

Up next: Jared Bartlett

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